Valentina grapes: cultivation, planting, and care

Grape

The Valentina table grape variety attracts winegrowers with its beautiful clusters and high yield. This complex hybrid was first developed in Novocherkassk by crossing the Arkady and Vostorg varieties. It is suitable for cultivation in many regions, provided the vine is well-protected during the winter.

Characteristics and description

The grape bushes are strong and have abundant shoots. The spreading vines require ample space. Regular fertilization will result in even longer vines. The clusters are cylindrical, slightly curved, with an elongated base. They reach 40 cm in length and weigh 1.5 kg. A single berry weighs 16 g. When ripe, the berries turn amber. Small spots can be seen on the berries. Sun exposure causes some berries to turn brown. The grape flesh is tender, containing up to two seeds. The thin skin is imperceptible when eaten. The berries have a characteristic Muscat flavor. Ripe berries contain 19% sugar. Fruiting begins in the second year after planting. Bisexual flowers indicate self-pollination.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The Valentina grape variety has many positive qualities. It's a good choice for planting due to the following advantages:

high yield;
self-pollination;
stable fruiting;
resistance to mildew and gray mold;
grapes are stored for a long time and do not lose their marketable appearance;
has good transportability.

The variety has its drawbacks, including poor frost resistance. In humid climates, the large ripe fruits burst, and the excess juice attracts annoying insects. A brown coating on the berries is not particularly appealing to potential buyers.

Pest and disease control

Powdery mildew can damage crops. The disease is characterized by light-colored spots appearing on the foliage. The infection spreads rapidly throughout the plant. Diseases Mold and rot accompany the disease. Grapes are saved with a colloidal sulfur solution. To avoid risk, preventative measures are taken and the bush is sprayed three times a year. In the fall, when all the leaves have fallen, Bordeaux mixture is used.

Attention!

Beware of overcrowding. Old vines will inevitably become a breeding ground for pests. Prune excess branches promptly.

Valentina has a lot of pests, including itch mites, spider mites, and leaf rollers. You can repel them with insecticides. Follow the instructions on the package. To avoid wasp attacks, hang traps filled with a sweet liquid. You can help the vines by pulling out any interfering weeds, collecting fallen leaves, providing ventilation by removing dense branches, and removing caterpillars.

Features of agricultural technology

The seedlings take root well, making this variety suitable for both professional and amateur growers. Planting follows these guidelines:

Planting pattern: 4x6 m. Vigorous bushes require plenty of space. Avoid dense planting;
Black soil with organic fertilizers is best. This will result in larger bunches of grapes;
Before the procedure, the roots are soaked in water for several days. This increases the plant's resistance to adverse factors;
Planting is carried out in autumn and spring. October weather will ensure a rich harvest;
A hole is dug 80 cm deep and the bottom is lined with small stones. The hole is filled with a mixture of humus, black soil, and sand;
Form a mound of fertile soil and place the seedling on it. Then cover the roots with soil. Water the planting with two buckets of water.

The moisture will be absorbed after watering, so you'll need to add soil or mulch the grapes with sawdust. Drive a stake next to the seedling to secure it, and tie the trunk to it.

Decide on a location. It should be located on a south-facing surface. Don't expect results if you plant seedlings in the shade. Special structures will provide reliable protection from cold winds.

Basic rules of care

Frequent feeding and watering They will only benefit. This is especially important for fruiting bushes. Apply nitrogen and potassium-phosphate fertilizers. After watering, mulch the soil with sawdust.

To maintain the development process in a normal state, each In autumn, the branches are cut short.And when frost sets in, they cover it with acrylic.

Don't be afraid to use herbicides. This is a necessary measure to ensure continued fruiting. This treatment is carried out before flowering.

Reviews from winegrowers

Elena, Rostov-on-Don, 48 years old

The best white grapes in my garden. I'd like to point out the large size of both the clusters and the aromatic berries. The latter produced excellent wine and juice. The fruit was transported long distances for sale. No cracking or rot was observed. I recommend gardeners not to trim the bottom of the clusters; this will only damage them. And water sparingly, otherwise they will rot.

Artem, Lipetsk, 34 years old

Valentina will appeal to those who love sweet grapes. As a professional, I can assure you that gray mold and mildew will pass you by. This is important to me, as the disease can spread to my other varieties. I carefully inspect diseased branches and examine the leaves.

Semyon, Moscow region, 64 years old

My grapes didn't freeze even at -24°C. That's a record for hardiness. But the humidity in July played a cruel joke on me. The cracked fruit started dripping juice and attracting wasps. I grow them for sale, so I was disappointed by the unsightly appearance of the grapes. I had to set traps and get rid of the uninvited guests. I always explain to my customers that the spots on the surface aren't a sign of disease. It's just a peculiarity.